The Supreme Cat Show 2016: A Celebration of Feline Excellence

The Supreme Cat Show, often called the feline equivalent of Crufts, is a vibrant annual event held at the NEC near Birmingham. It is eagerly anticipated by cat enthusiasts across the UK, showcasing hundreds of both pedigree and non-pedigree cats. The 2016 edition, held on Saturday 22nd October, was particularly special as it marked the 40th anniversary of this prestigious event. Let’s explore how this historic show unfolded.

How the Supreme Cat Show Works

"The Supreme," as it is affectionately known among cat lovers, differs from typical cat shows. It attracts several hundred cats, making it a bustling and competitive arena. Owners have the opportunity to decorate their cats' pens, with a special competition themed each year.

Unlike many shows where judges assess cats in their pens, here cats are brought into the ring for judging, allowing visitors to witness the process. Cats first compete within their breed, then winners progress to the Best of Variety categories, followed by Best Adult, Kitten, Neuter, and ultimately Best in Show. Securing the Supreme title is the pinnacle of any show cat’s career.

The Decorated Pen Competition

The 2016 theme was "Science Fiction," celebrating the genre's iconic characters to attract a wider audience. Visitors were treated to a lively atmosphere with some attendees sporting costumes, including a Dalek roaming the aisles!

Some owners went all out, creating spectacular Dr Who phone box pens and Star Wars-inspired scenes, complete with flashing lights and elaborate decorations that sometimes overshadowed the cats themselves. Show organisers ensure that pens remain functional and cats can be easily handled for judging, a rule underscored by the intricate setups this year.

Not all exhibitors entered the competition; some kept decoration simple yet effective, using bright drapes and informative displays about their cats, offering a rich education for visitors about breed traits and individual personalities.

A Day for Exhibitors

Exhibitors start their day early with the "Vetting In" process, where a vet examines each cat to ensure health standards are met, running from 7 am to 9 am. Some exhibitors choose to stay overnight locally to prepare their felines. That year, an unexpected M6 motorway accident caused some delays, but the day soon got underway.

Morning judging involves detailed assessments of each class, a quieter time before the public arrive in numbers. This environment favours confident cats who can handle the buzz of the show. In 2016, winning certificates counted for double towards titles, easing the path for many cats to achieve their next awards— a positive move welcomed by owners.

The Supreme Experience for Visitors

Visitors enjoyed close encounters with a wide range of cats. The Household Pet category attracted significant attention, disproving the myth that only pedigree cats thrive in shows. Neutered moggies groomed to perfection showcased that all cats can be celebrated for their beauty and temperament.

The show offered a wealth of shopping opportunities, from specialised cat foods and accessories to unique items like cat-themed jewellery and garden enclosures. However, some smaller stallholders noted rising attendance costs, a concern for sustaining the vibrant vendor community in future events.

Memorable Winners of 2016

As the afternoon sunshine filled the central ring, the atmosphere was electric witnessing the Best of Variety and ultimately Best in Show judging. Winners hailed from diverse breeds, emphasizing the competition's inclusivity.

The Supreme Adult title was awarded to a striking British Red, while the Supreme Neuter was an elegant Oriental Chocolate Spotted Tabby, who also earned the runner-up spot overall. The Supreme Kitten, who took the coveted Best in Show, was a charming Blue Point Birman—a heart-stealer indeed.

Non-pedigree categories also celebrated top felines with titles like Best Pedigree Pet, Best Household Pet, and Best Kitten, honouring cats familiar to many and showcasing the joy of all types of companions.

The show concluded at 5.30 pm as exhibitors packed away their elaborate decorations, sharing stories of triumph and camaraderie. The 2016 Supreme Cat Show was an emphatic success, with many already counting down to the 2017 event on 28th October.